STOCKTON - A 72-year-old man was killed Friday by a hit-and-run driver who was apprehended less than an hour later after calling police to report his vehicle stolen, authorities said.

Police did not release the names of the victim or the driver, but The Record identified the driver as Frank Spingolo Jr., a 25-year-old Stockton man who was arrested on suspicion of hit-and-run resulting in death or injury. He is being held at the San Joaquin County Jail in lieu of $250,000 bail.

His mother, Linda Spingolo, described her son as "clean and sober," saying he was complying with all requirements of an unspecified court-ordered program.

"We were just in court this morning, and he was acknowledged for doing very well in the program," she said Friday night in a tearful telephone interview. "He's not in a gang. He doesn't hang with a bunch of losers. He lives with his parents. He comes from a great family.

"It's very tragic, and I'm sorry this other person lost his life, but I know my son was not on drugs, and I know he was not drunk. He has a license. His car is insured and registered. I heard there were 35 feet of skid marks, so he attempted to stop but then freaked out when he hit him. He should not have left the scene. He just panicked."

The accident occurred about 1:20 p.m. on Waterloo Road between East Harding Way and D Street. Witnesses told police the victim was trying to cross the street when he was struck by a dark blue Ford Explorer, authorities said.

Officer Joe Silva, a spokesman for the Stockton Police Department, said Spingolo called police a short time later to report his vehicle stolen. Spingolo asked officers to meet him at West Bianchi Road and Claremont Avenue, about four miles from the scene of the accident, Silva said.

Officers detained Spingolo and placed him under arrest after witnesses identified him as the driver of the Explorer, which was found about a half-mile away at Jamestown Plaza. The vehicle had a broken right headlight, obvious damage to the passenger's side and a collection of short gray hairs on the dented hood.

Witnesses declined to comment, but Silva said their cooperation helped police make an arrest.

"We're very appreciative of the witnesses for staying at the scene of this deadly hit-and-run to provide our officers with good suspect and suspect vehicle descriptions," Silva said. "We have seen over these last several months more citizens getting involved and providing officers with good information in regard to suspects engaging in criminal activity, and today these witnesses were able to positively identify the suspect in this case."